Shirleen Tubb says son Simon, an organ donor, was as generous in death as in life

Simon “Tubby” Tubb was always helping others and even after his death his legacy lives on. Read about his remarkable generosity.

SUN TAS. Shirleen Tubb with a picture of her son Simon Tubb. Shirleen Tubb of Molesworth who is the mother of Simon Tubb who died suddenly in 2021 and became a donor. DonateLife Thank You Day is a national day to reflect and say thanks to the donors and their families. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It came as no surprise to Shirleen Tubb that her son Simon was as generous in death as he had been in life.

Known affectionately as “Tubby” in the trucking industry across Australia, he lived for trucking, the brotherhood of the bush and was always charitable to friends and strangers alike.

He never blew his own trumpet but took people under his wing, always ready to give them a roof over their head or some cash to tide them over.

Just before his sudden and unexpected death in 2021, aged just 46, Simon said to his mother, a nurse: “I’m not here for a long time but for a good time”.

Simon Tubb who died suddenly and had previously expressed his wish to his family to donate his organs. Picture: supplied by the family

“I remonstrated with him for saying that and his quite serious reply was ‘I don’t know how I know mum, I just do’.

“Just two short weeks later his prophecy came to pass.

“Our world stood still and a dense fog descended where nothing seemed real anymore.”

His parents were not surprised to learn he was a registered organ donor.

“He was generous to a fault with his friends and he has helped 11 people,” Ms Tubb said.

“It’s an enormous comfort to know how many people Simon helped and that he effectively isn’t gone, he just lives on, but differently.”

About 300 people attended Simon’s funeral – he was driven there on a highly polished log truck – and many were inspired to follow his example and become organ donors.

Shirleen Tubb. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“As a direct result of his decision to donate his organs many friends, mates and fellow truckies subsequently registered as donors, yet another awesome legacy.

“We miss our gentle giant,” Ms Tubb said.

“He would often hurry everyone up and say ‘I have places to go, people to see and things to do’ so clearly he was making every minute count.

“We now know why, he will be forever loved and missed and we are immensely proud of the man he became, a man who continues to help others fulfil their lives and dreams.

“There’s a saying ‘it matters not, what you gather in life, but what you scatter that counts’ and that is the mantra I live by now.

“Whether it’s a kind word or deed to improve the quality of someone’s life is surely the greatest kindness we can give.”

The Tubbs are proud that a plaque has been erected in their son’s memory at the truck drivers’ memorial at Epping Forest.